Upgrade Guide

Lumix GH5→Lumix S1R II

Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.

You own

Lumix

GH5

£699

2017

→

Upgrade to

Lumix

S1R II

£2699 (+£2,000)

2025

✅

Worthwhile

Clear improvements over the GH5. Whether it justifies the cost depends on which upgrades matter most to your shooting.

What's new in the S1R II

Suitability by genre

Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.

Full spec comparison

Spec	GH5	S1R II
Price	£699	£2,699
Released	2017	2025	↑
Sensor	20.3MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS	44.3MP full-frame BSI CMOS
Resolution	20MP	44MP	↑
Video	4K/60p, C4K/30p, 1080p/180p; 10-bit 4:2:2 internal; unlimited recording	8K/30p (first for Lumix), 4K/120p (1.1x crop), 10-bit
Autofocus	Contrast-detect DFD AF, face/eye detection	Phase-hybrid AF (779 points) with AI subject detection
Stabilisation	IBIS — up to 5 stops; Dual IS 2 with compatible lenses (6.5 stops)	8-stop IBIS with Dual I.S. 2
Burst Rate	12fps (AFS), 9fps (AFC)	40fps electronic	↑
Battery Life	~410 shots (CIPA)	350 shots (CIPA, LCD)	↓
Weight	646g (body only)	820g (with battery and card)	↓
Weather Sealed	Yes	Yes
Viewfinder	EVF, 3.68M dots, 0.76× magnification	EVF, 5.76M dots
Screen	3.2" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.62M dots	Fully articulating touchscreen
Mount	Micro Four Thirds	L-mount
Memory Cards	Dual SD UHS-II slots	CFexpress Type B + SD (UHS-II)

Compare side-by-side

See GH5 and S1R II next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

Get a personalised upgrade score

Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the S1R II against your specific genres — not just specs.

Other upgrades from the GH5

Related buying guides

Camera family history